This book is a real and rare gem of mathematical teaching. It explains in easy and accessible language the links between the topics in the title with remarkable clarity and simplicity. Of course the real strength of a book like this is to show to beginner mathematicians the power one can acquire by looking at a given problem from several perspectives, and this is where the book really excels.

The authors are doing a great job in reducing all concepts to the essential, but never - on the other side - trivializing or leaving essential things unexplained. College algebra is all what is required to understand it, and you will certainly be rewarded.